Support for Your Teen

Parents play a very important role in ending teen dating abuse. Teens in abusive situations truly need the support of their parents. Even in the rockiest parent-teen relationship, the advice of a parent can make a dramatic difference in a teen's life. For that reason, it's imperative that you familiarize yourself with the warning signs of dating abuse and what you can do to help.

 

How do I recognize the signs?

An abusive person will do various things to control their partner. A teen experiencing abuse may:

• Make changes in their daily rituals
• Retreat from school or activities
• Experience isolation from friends
• Make changes in clothing
• Wear clothing inappropriate for the weather in order to hide marks
• Have visible marks or bruises
• Spend excessive amounts of time with the person they're dating

 

What can I do to help?

If you notice something has changed, consider talking to your teen:

• Ask questions about your teen's life
• Listen with an open mind
• Support your teen as they decide what to do
• Open up clear channels of communication
• Be calm and take positive action

 

What else can I do?

Communicate with a trained Peer Advocate at loveisrespect, National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline. Contact us at 1-866-331-9474 (1-866-331-8453 TTY) or chat online from 4pm - 2am CST.